Fish stringer system

ABSTRACT

The quick connector receptacle, and its&#39; machined counterpart, is designed to (simplify and hasten) the removal and replacement process of a fish stringer from its&#39; affixed position. The process of securing a fisher-persons&#39; bounty was addressed for specifically the intentions of making said process less of a task. Many variables can at times and under certain conditions, make said process complicated. The connector receptacle is affixed to the fisher-person and its&#39; machined counterpart is disengaged and engaged to form an assemblage that holds said stringer in place until called upon for use again. In conjunction with the need of high quality materials to withstand the elements, particular interest was paid to all aspects of the system to make it durable. With much field-testing and some limited exposure, we believe it to be superior to the conventional stringer system. There appears to be a need for such a fish stringer system. With the particular parts and processes mentioned throughout this applications, said system will fulfill this need and prove to be a reliable system for the intended task.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a fish stringing system, and more particularly, to a fish stringing system comprising two assemblies, a connector receptacle, and its' machined counterpart, designed to (simplify and hasten) the removal and replacement process of stringing fish to a fisher-persons' fish stringer while in the field.

The applicable U.S. patent classification No. 403/321; 403/325; 224/103; 224/200; are in close relationship of said invention.

2. Description of the Related Art

Fishing is a favorite pastime for many people around the world. Whether it be for relaxation or for excitement, it is for the enjoyment of the sport. The fish stringer, most commonly used to secure and transport the fish from the water to land or boat. However, these fish stringers require more time spent on securing ones catch. Most stringers devices are constructed whereby one end has to be tied to the wade fisher-person each time a fish is caught.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of this invention, However the following references were considered related:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,382 Quick release stringer, issued in the name of Carpenter;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,231 Fish stringing system, issued in the name of Popovich;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,244 Fish stringer with holder, issued in the name of Brannon;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,310 Mechanically retained fish stringer, issued in the name of Ferry;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,587 Fish stringer and retainer, issued in the name of Creed;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,643 Fish stringer holder, issued in the name of Montplaisir;

There are several methods of retaining and transporting ones' catch, but the inventor believes that this particular system is a quicker, less complicated, safer and overall a far more effective method than the conventional stringer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved fish stringing system comprising a connector receptacle, and its' machined counterpart, designed to (simplify and hasten) the removal and replacement process of a fisher-persons' fish stringer.

A particular targeted need for this type of fish stringer is what is known as a ‘wade fisher-person’. This type of fisher-person physically enters the water, and while staying in contact with the bottom, pursues their catch. Besides a PFD (personal floatation Devise), the wader will ultimately carry along with them a variety of compulsory equipment. A bait source (whether it's hooks, sinkers, etc.), some type of capture net, sun and weather protection, along with a wide assortment of variables, all need a means of being secured to said wader in a comfortable fashion (i.e. a wade belt). If in fact the wader is in disturbed and agitated waters (i.e. the surf), there is a basic/simple need for the wader to be able to disperse of their catch quickly, efficiently, effectively, and without the complication of having to un-fasten and re-fasten a conventional fish stringer. A wader must also rely on the strength and integrity of said process as to protect their catch from an unintentional release (i.e. loss of stringer).

The invention has been field tested under most all adverse and complying conditions.

As per these specifications, this invention will eliminate some of the hassles and physical manipulation of a “wade fisher-persons” equipment duties, during the event of securing their catch.

What the Inventor and his staff of those that wade-fish, equipped with a prototype of the invention, have unanimously concluded is: that the invention did indeed assist in the aforementioned event (as per its' claim) and is structurally sound and secure.

A fish stringer is generally regarded a standard (common) system in which a fisher-person uses for containing ones catch.

With that stated; another common piece of terminal fishing tackle (equipment), is the wade fisher-person's belt. The belt is (normally) impervious to the elements (i.e. waterproof), and supports a variety of attributes. A receptacle for receiving a fishing rod, an affixed ring (or rings) designed to receive fastening devises are common on a belt of mid-level quality.

The ‘standard’ fish stringer is passed through an affixed ring and secured with a hitch or a knot of some type, or its' (lead) end is applied to a designed feature of the belt (or the particular fish-stringer system) that is satisfactory to hold it in an affixed position until it is needed for use again.

The Inventor and the test fisher-persons do prefer the receptacle being placed on the wade-belt, by means of a substantial fastening devise, at a position relative to 10 o'clock, with the fisher-persons' hips referred to as 9 and 3 o'clock (respectively).

The consensus was that this position was the comfortable and most practical of all positions tested.

Many variables were factored into the aforementioned test studies. Flowing water (i.e. current), weight of catch, quick retrieval, accessibility, and others were all factors in coming to the decision to suggest this particular position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND FIGURE DESIGNATION

FIG. 1: Exploded isometric view of Invention (4 of 5 part images shown. #25 excluded from images).

FIG. 1A: Exploded side view of Invention. (4 of 5 part images shown. #25 excluded from images).

FIG. 2: Invention part and specific figure assignment.

FIG. 2A: Invention detail, specific # Identification of Invention. (Text support Document).

FIG. 3: Side and end (orthographic) views of Shaft Housing (21).

FIG. 4: Side view of Shaft Housing (21), with dimensions.

FIG. 5: Side and end views of Shaft (22).

FIG. 6: Side and top (orthographic) views of Shaft (22), with dimensions.

FIG. 7: Side and top views of Shaft (22) designating specific drawing details referred to as Details B and C (i.e. pertaining to a particular Shaft End Detail).

FIG. 8: Partial views of Shaft End Details B and C, with dimensions.

FIG. 9: Side and end (orthographic) views of Parts 23, 24, and 25.

FIG. 10: Side and end (orthographic) views of Parts: Spring 23, Ring Retainer 24, and Stringer Rod 25: with dimensions and footnotes.

FIG. 11: Drawn mechanical depiction of Invention in two (2) modes of its' operation. 1. Extended/Engaged, and 2. Compressed/Dis-Engaged. (refer: Invention Specification and/or Detailed Description).

FIG. 12: Isometric wire frame image of assembled Invention with section designating arrows making reference to Section AA.

FIG. 13: Section view with specific identifications noted as 21-26.

FIG. 13A: Text supporting FIG. 13 specific identifications (21-26).

FIG. 14: Assembly illustration reference images 14/A, 14/B, and 14/C.

FIG. 15: Picture of assembled ‘Fish Stringer System’.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

A spring of helical shape and design 23, with the perpendicular member 23A, is the basis of the operation of this particular “Fish Stringing System”.

For the sake of this explanation and detail description, the “Fish Stringing System” will be assumed to be in a vertical position.

THE EXTRACTION PROCESS: When opposite and opposing forces are applied to the perpendicular member 23A by applying force on the heightened ridge 21B of the shaft housing 21 and shaft *22 bottom. (such as one would apply, the same said forces, to a hypodermic syringe to administer its' product), the internal machined housing ridge 21A comes in contact (and forces) the perpendicular member 23A of spring 23 down and along the path of the diagonal slot 22A until it is (disengaged) free and clear of the machined (filleted/bullet) designed end of the stringer rod 25A; thus making the stringer rod able to be extracted without restriction.

THE INSERTION PROCESS: The force applied to insert the stringer rod end 25A to its' engaged and locked position, is minimal.

When the machined filleted/bullet designed end 25A of the stringer rod 25 comes in contact with the perpendicular member 23A of the spring 23 having passed through both *21-top and *22-top, the circumference of the perpendicular member 23A tracks along the bullet designed end of the stringer rod 25A and the diagonal slot 22A of shaft 22 (while the perpendicular member 23A of spring 23 is influenced by the diagonal slot 22A of shaft 22) until the perpendicular member 23A of spring 23 falls into the machined groove 25B on the filleted/bullet end of the stringer rod 25A.

A 0.2″ lanyard passageway 22C is designed to receive a connector (i.e. away to connect the receptacle portion of the “Fish Stringer System” to a designated affixed position).

The choice of a particular connector will be at the discretion of the Fisher-Person. As per paragraph 0022 of the text The Inventor has suggested where he feels most comfortable to place the opposite end of the connector (i.e. relative to the Fisher-Person), to secure the receptacle portion of the “Fish Stringer System”.

As per the characteristics of the particular materials used in the manufacture of the “Fish Stringer System”, maintenance is minimal. Along with a spray of fresh water (which the Inventor suggests/feels to be a compulsory act), after each use; it is suggested to be thoroughly cleaned and dried prior to any foreseen period of the ‘System’ being out of use (i.e. ‘winterize).

As per the Figure #, Identification # on the Drawings, and supporting text; the receptacle portion of this invention ‘Fish Stringing System’ is assembled using these next three (3) steps in FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C of FIG. 14, they are as follows:

Step 1

Refer to FIG. 14A of FIG. 14. While holding the shaft 22 with the diagonal slot 22A of shaft 22 facing the assemblers' left side; place the spring 23B down towards shaft *22 top, center over shaft end *22 top and slide spring 23 down along shaft 22 until it is restricted by the perpendicular member 23A of spring 23.

This particular perpendicular member 23A of spring 23 is not located on center of spring. Therefore while viewing the perpendicular member 23A of spring 23 from a side view perspective, as shown in FIG. 14A, the assembler will notice a difference in the space proportion between the divided top of the spring 23A. The smaller of the two (2) is to be rotated to the assemblers' left.

The assembler should then assert pressure to the perpendicular member 23A outwardly away from the circular centers of spring 23 and shaft 22 just to force the perpendicular member 23A of spring 23 over and down so as its' then suspended by the outer circumference of shaft 22.

Upon completion of that step, the assembler will manipulate the entire spring 23, down until the spring seat 23B is seated on top of the spring seat supporting ridge 22B of shaft 22.

With spring seat 22B of spring 23 in place and the perpendicular member 23A aligned with the horizontal aspect of the diagonal slot 22A of shaft 22 (FIG. 14B shows an end view of said aspect). The assembler will force the perpendicular member 23A of spring 23 down (compressing spring 23) past the upper leading edge of the diagonal slot 22A of shaft, so as once beyond said edge, compression of spring 23 can be lessoned enough to divert the perpendicular member 23A and the force of the compressed spring 23 up and into the diagonal slot 22A of shaft 22, so as the perpendicular member 23A is seated securely and square to the aforementioned horizontal aspect of the diagonal slot 22A of shaft 22.

Two (2) parts of the stringer receptacle are now a contained composite unit that is applied to step 2 (FIG. 14B)

Step 2

Refer to FIG. 14B of FIG. 14; holding the composite unit constructed using step 1 vertically, the assembler will now insert the composite unit up through the shaft housing *21 bottom of the shaft housing 21 leading the insertion with side *22 top of the composite.

Both the composite and the shaft housing 21 are cylindrical in shape: so no attention is to be paid to matching sides on their axis' or any particular features for this particular insertion.

With keeping the insertion on the center line axis of the two (2) cylindrical pieces being joined, insert composite to the prescribed position (as per illustration).

As per the design of the perpendicular member 23A of spring 23, It will arrive at its' designed destination in the internal machined housing ridge 21A.

Two (2) parts of steps (1-2-3) of the stringer receptacle are now assembled and ready to receive step 3 (FIG. 14C).

Step 3

Refer to FIG. 14C of FIG. 14, holding the three (3) parts that have been joined in the prior two (2) steps to create a single composite, the assembler is to fit the cylindrical center of the retainer ring 24 up towards the cylindrical center of shaft *22 bottom.

Once the retainer ring 24 has been lifted toward *21 bottom and prior to the contact of the two (2) pieces, a miniscule amount of a glue can be placed on preferably the four (4) lower quadrants of ring. Most PVC and CPVC cement type glue agents are more than adequate for, and compliable with, this particular DELRIN plastic material.

Pass the cylindrical center of ring past *21B and towards its' designed resting position up and within shaft housing *21-B. Apply adequate pressure to seat retainer ring 24 up into and flush (completely within shaft housing and *21B) with the designated machined opening designed for it to complete the assembly process of the ‘Fish Stringer Receptacle’.

Material Specifics and Identification

The Shaft Housing 21, Shaft 22, Retainer Ring 24, are each constructed of a machined ‘DELRIN’ product. Delrin is a general purpose homopolymer acetal. Acetal is valued for its low moisture absorption, dimensional stability, machinability and strength. Low coefficient of friction and good bearing characteristics also describe this material. Delrin was chosen by the Inventor for this particular project due to it's close proximity and contact with corrosive elements such as salt water, sand, UV sunlight and normal ‘wear and tear’. Delrin is a registered material, manufactured by The Dupont Company and obtained via The Ensinger Corporation.

The Stringer Rod 25 and Spring 23, are each constructed of Stainless Steel. #23 is a spring of helical shape made out of 0.040″ diameter, #304 type stainless steel wire (UNS#30400 as per The American Iron and Steel Institute/AISI). Spring (#23) was manufactured, at the request of the Inventor, by a local machine shop and has two (2) distinctly different ends (#23A/23B see FIG. 2). The lower end (23B) is referred to as ‘squared’, and the upper portion is designated as ‘plain’/with a vertical feature that is transitioned into forming a perpendicular member (23A, FIG. 2). The direction of the helix is optional and is comprised of three ⅛ (3.125) revolutions/coils, prior to it becoming vertical and ultimately horizontal. Stringer Rod 25 was constructed out of a 0.25″ diameter, #316 type stainless steel rod, with two (2) distinctly different machined ends (25A/*25-Bottom see: FIG. 2).

The Shaft Housing 21, Shaft 22, Retainer Ring 24, Stringer Rod 25, were machined by the Inventor using a standard lathe, drill press, and a metal saw. Spring 23 construction sub-contracted out to a capable machine shop experienced in the process of spring technology.

Mode

The springs' design is the basis of the receptacles' proper operation. Refer to FIG. 11

The operational process of extracting stringer rod from its' nested position within the shaft:

As per the springs' design (housed within its' designated chamber), with opposing forces applied to both the grasp ridge (of the shaft housing) and the bottom of the shaft, (such as one would apply forces to the likes of a hypodermic syringe), the specific feature noted as the perpendicular member of the spring is forced (and follows) along the path provided for it by the diagonal slot cut into the shaft. (Refer: FIG. 13-22A).

The perpendicular member of the spring is removed from its' set placement from within the machined groove on the operational end of the stringer rod. (Refer: FIG. 13-25B).

The stringer rod is then freed of the designed constraints, which keep it in place within the 0.254″×0.7″ machined hole designed for it on the top end of the shaft, (Refer: FIG. 13-22).

The operational process of inserting the stringer rod to its' designated nested position:

The mechanical manipulation of the shaft housing is not necessary for the sake of insertion.

Upon insertion, the filleted end of the stringer rod is designed so as its' outer circumference comes into contact with the outer circumference of the spring wire referred to as the perpendicular member of the spring.

With a directed/applied force the stringer rod is inserted to its' designated depth.

Upon arriving at its' designed depth the perpendicular member of the spring, by virtue of the springs force, is forced into the machined groove provided for it on the operational end of the stringer rod, (Refer: FIG. 13-25B).

The placement and/or the use of the fish stringer system is certainly at the discretion of the user.

It is however suggested, that the most comfortable and practical placement of this fish stringer devise, (as per its' intended purpose), is affixed to a belt (i.e. wade belt) designed specifically for the storage of fishing paraphernalia. (i.e. located at/on the waist of a fisherperson). 

1. A fish stringer system for the purpose of retaining a fisher-persons' bounty comprising in combination of: A spring-loaded composite receptacle unit designed to accept; A machined fish stringer rod specifically designed to form an assemblage of the two (2); Aforementioned receptacle has a heightened ridge on the exterior of what is referred to as the shaft housing for the purpose of engaging an internal spring of helical shape and its' counterpart member so as to release the aforementioned stringer rod from its' engaged/locked position.
 2. The fish stringer system of claim 1, wherein said a spring-loaded composite receptacle unit is constructed of a machined Delrin product which is valued for its' low moisture absorption, dimensional stability and strength.
 3. The fish stringer system of claim 1, wherein said a machined fish stringer rod is a filleted/bullet end design to form an assemblage.
 4. The fish stringer system of claim 1, wherein said heightened ridge, (a ridge designed for the purpose of grasping) for spring compression/operation.
 5. The fish stringer system of claim 1, wherein said spring of helical shape is constructed of stainless steel.
 6. The fish stringer system of claim 1, wherein said its' engaged/locked position is the process of extraction and insertion of these particular parts and their counterparts, for the specific purpose of a more practical and a less complicated fish stringer system.
 7. The fish stringer system of claim 6, wherein said process of extraction and insertion is a new and improved process to replace the conventional process of retaining a fisher-persons' bounty.
 8. The fish stringer system of claim 7, wherein said a new and improved process means specific engineered parts and assembly processes are pertinent to achieve the assemblage.
 9. The combination of all the aforementioned parts and counterparts, (constructed using the specifications and parameters provided within this application), for the specific task of retaining a fisher-persons bounty. 